5 Best 3D modeling Software to Help You Create Best STL Files

For entry-level users, 3D printing is actually a daunting task, which takes a relatively long time to master the skill, especially for creating an STL file. Final 3D prints cannot even be produced without an STL file. More importantly, the print quality highly depends on parameter settings of those digital files, any mistake among which may cause a print failure.

Therefore, we will introduce a variety of 3D modeling software to help you get the best STL files visualizing your imagination, both for beginners and professionals. Here in this article presents 5 best suitable software, providing you enjoyable 3D printing experience via a simple user interface, easy-to-use operation, and smart settings.

1. Blender
Where to download: https://www.blender.org/

First of all, Blender is free 3D design software for both beginners and professionals. It is easy and fun to use for creating some complex 3D model designs. As a free and open 3D creation, Blender supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking, video editing, and 2D animation pipeline, bringing a lot of convenience to hundreds of users from around the world including but not limited to individual artists, professionals and hobbyists, scientists, students, VFX experts, animators, game artists, modders, etc.

2. OnShape
Where to download: https://www.onshape.com/

Onshape is the only product development platform that unites CAD, data management, collaboration tools, and real-time analytics, aiming to help businesses modernize their product design process. If your laptop or mobile device has an internet connection, you can start designing your 3D model files anywhere, which enables the design to happen anywhere.
The APP is known for its spare parts and technical design. Its accuracy and its precision provide lots of benefits to users such as creating a component part that needs to be assembled.

3. Sculptris
Where to download: https://pixologic.com/sculptris/

starting your 3D model designing with Sculptris is a fun and engaging way to start off your digital sculpting journey. It is a good choice to get started with Sculptris if your final intention is to use ZBrush, the most widely-used digital sculpting application in today's market. They two share more similarities than you expect, which makes it easier to master ZBrush after Sculptris.

4. SketchUp
Where to download: https://www.sketchup.com/

Do you know that SketchUp is in fact developed by Google? It is owned by Trimble at present. SketchUp is a 3D modeling design software providing a wide range of drawing applications. It is known as 3D modeling on the web which offers great possibilities for users varying from architects, designers, game developers even to filmmakers and 3D hobbyists.

By using line drawing, push-pull surfaces, and shape rotation, the software makes it easy to create any type of 3D model. You can also choose to use an existing model available in its library and further edit it as needed, or you can print them directly.

5. Wings 3D
Where to download: http://www.wings3d.com/

Wings 3D is also an open-source 3D model design tool. It is so user-centric that it is specially designed for subdivision 3D modeling. For beginners who even don’t know the technical terms, Wings 3D is a good way to learn about 3D modeling as it provides a comprehensive uniform surface on a linear polygon mesh to promote understanding. Users can quickly change or modify the grid and easily finishes editing textures, lighting, materials, and more. Wings 3D is completely free for use in both personal and commercial projects.

6. SelfCAD
Where to access: https://www.selfcad.com/

SelfCAD is online computer-aided design software for 3D modeling and 3D printing, which is a perfect solution for both the professional and hobbyist.

Conclusion
3D model design is not an easy task, and it is even harder to finder software that matches your needs and skill. What’s more frustrating is to use intractable tools or imperfect functions to meet your requirements. You would better try on with these open-source 3D model design software if you don’t want to waste endless time on a single project.